What has been your experience with these cams? Not to be confused with the totem - basic (alien). What do you or don't you like about them? I was thinking of picking a few of them up to fill in a primarily free (non-aid) climbing rack, although I see myself venturing into big-wall soon. Worth it? I saw there are some older threads on the topic but I thought an end of 2012 review might be good for the community looking at these cams, as they seem to still be developing the technology.

Totem cams have changed climbing for me. I do alot of bigwall/aid climbing and there is nothing that even comes close to the abilities of the totem cam. It is super flexible and does not get all manky (like an alien) or kink so bad it cannot be used (metolius). the head is super narrow and can fit into very awkward placements/pinscars (unlike black diamond). Its holding power in flares is honesty unbelievable. I have used the 2 lobe placement method often. I do not think they are bulky on your harness at all, they tend to stream line after being body weighted a few times. My only issue i could possibly have with them is if i was free climbing and had a desperate/deep placement where i was pushing the stem with my finger. They are so flexible that the stem tends to bend instead of staying rigid. As for durability, my totems have seen well over 15 walls, solos of el cap, free climbing all around the country, i have fallen on them, i have slept on them, and they have prevailed. get these cams....you will not regret it

similar experiences here, I have the smallest 3 (blue,yellow, purple). They hold in flares/pin scars really well. not sure what it is exactly, but they are super confidence inspiring. My go to small piece for free climbing or aid for sure. The only downside is the relative bulk, they are roughly the same weight as comparably sized cams, but they are a bit bulkier.

I've been using them for a year or two now and agree---the best thing there is in the sizes they come in. The narrow head means they go places other cams don't. I find the theoretically superior holding power comforting, although I can't claim to have done anything that would be a realistic test. They seem to walk less than other cams.

It is true that they can be a little noodley to place sometimes, although it has never amounted to a problem for me. I think the real issue, if there is one, will be durability, but mine have held up very well so far.

I don't think that durability will be an issue. I was trad climbing on these from before they were released to the public, and mine are in excellent condition. I haven't even needed to lube them yet. In addition, not one person has reported durability to be an issue yet.

I agree with other posters, as an experienced trad climber who puts his gear to the test, these things are the best option in the sizes they come in. My experienced partners who climb with me think the same thing.

I wrote up a long review over two years ago, and my opinion of these cams has solidified that they are an amazing innovation that improve safety and open up placement options that were previously unavailable.

Totems had over a decade in development and testing. For quite some time the inventors struggled to bring it to the market. But their passion and belief in their own product drove them. And it seems that they are being quite successful. (Though with plenty more room to grow.)

While being a significant change in the physics of operation Totems cams are largely no different in use to regular cams. With very good range, holding power and excellent behaviour in flared cracks these are a massive technical improvement.

In practice and the use I've put them to they do seem slightly 'more solid' in placements. Though in almost all of my uses a C4 would have performed similarly. Of course in narrow pockets, shallow cracks, flares or slippery rock a Totem may be solid where almost any other cam would not hold.

After using them for a few months I came to the same conclusion as others on here; They're the best cams out there in their size range. I'm seriously contemplating selling off the other half of my rack and just doing doubles on Totems. I think above the Red the narrow head benefits are less needed. I would take a "Gold" size though but probably just one. I think the numerous small cables limit how small they can make them so I doubt you'll see a smaller size. You never know though...

Totem basics or X4s below size "Blue" should be a perfect compliment.

Everyone that's used mine has had nothing but positive things to say as well. They really are that good.

I am with Josh. I have 2 sets and use mine for everything, but their uniqueness shines when aid climbing. I have used mine on 25+ walls (15-20 El Cap routes). The newer set and the older set look almost identical, it is incredible. I thought for sure I was going to destroy these things.

It sounds like a lot of folks like these cams in flares. How would you say they generally compare to the holding power of offset cams (metolius or aliens) in pin scars? The same, better, or a matter of circumstance and personal preference? This is all great info. Thanks!

It sounds like a lot of folks like these cams in flares. How would you say they generally compare to the holding power of offset cams (metolius or aliens) in pin scars? The same, better, or a matter of circumstance and personal preference? This is all great info. Thanks!

Good question. I am wondering the same.

Are they as good in lateral flares as they are in vertical flares? That is, can we skip offset cams with these babies on moderately beat out trade routes?

It sounds like a lot of folks like these cams in flares. How would you say they generally compare to the holding power of offset cams (metolius or aliens) in pin scars? The same, better, or a matter of circumstance and personal preference? This is all great info. Thanks!

You are comparing apples with oranges here.

Totem cams are on paper the best cams on the market in terms of "holding power" (ie the outward pressure on the rock crack) and flared crack performance.** Real world performance confirms this. Offset cams do not have improved "holding power" over regular cams. They do however have the ability to work in situations where the lobes of regular cams may not engage properly due to differential expansion.

Totem cams have decent range so if the offset is not too great then they'll be superior. If you compare the offset range of Metolius mastercams it is barely greater than Totems. Offset Aliens have bigger range but significantly less holding power unless the rock is particularly course.

**Flared cracks, as far as Totem and I are concerned, refer to cracks which flare in the direction of the stem. Offsets address cracks that may flare perpendicular to the stem, this is a far less common natural occurrence and is a different problem to what Totems directly address.

Sorry, maybe 'holding power' was the wrong choice of words. I'm just curious about overall performance. For those experienced in using both offset cams and totems in pin scars, do you have a preference? Why?

If I understand Patto, Totems are generally preffered in flares perpendicular to the stem while offsets are preferred in horizontal flares (i.e. pin scars). Do others agree?

Aaron, actually they are totally different. They use a cable driven system which actually changes were the "axis" is, meaning in true vertical flares, the totem design gets you much better holding power.

I love my Totems. They feel super solid in weird, and unlikely placements. The durability is definitly there, which was one of the biggest concerns when they were introduced. The range is sweet, and very similar to a C4, same goes for weight. Although they may feel bulky at first, you will get over it. Also, the 'floppiness' hasn't been an issue. If you're thinking of buying them, stop hesitating, and just do it.

As a maths/physics/engineering geek, what I find great about Totem discussion is the advantages they have theoretically are significant and important enough that they are observed anecdotally. What I am referring to here is the holding power and flared crack performance.

In contrast most anecdotal reports don't seem to recognises that in terms of holding power of cams Metolius>>WC&DMM>>BD. This is probably because the differences are more slight thus people are more likely not to notice them an instead.

Aliens have significantly less "holding power" on paper. But they have improved flared crack and course rock performance which in many circumstances more than makes up for their reduced force on the rock.

could you elaborate on the lower holding power of aliens? this is the first I am hearing about it and it peaks my curiosity. additionally whats the math for Flared cracks with aliens. my anecdotal evidence is the rock will fail long before the alien pulls out of just about any placement... if the braze holds that is.